Motorist who obstructed constable was not insured

Gareth John Duddy, 21, of 145 Cornshell Fields, was detected on February 11 this year at Queen’s Quay, Strand Road.

The Court heard that police were conducting a check point and stopped the defendant, who was asked to produce his documentation and when he failed to do so, was issued with a production order.

Later in the day the defendant attended the police station and admitted that he had given his brother’s details at the check point. It transpired he was not insured and he told police he had recently returned from Australia, where he had been living for two years.

Maolissa Barr, defending, said his client had been working in Australia, but it took a long time to get a HGV licence there compared to here.

“Unfortunately in this instance he borrowed his brother’s car to go to town to get something. he went to the police station and admitted what he had done,” Mr Barr said, adding that while his client did nave a previous record, it was of some vintage.

He said Duddy was hoping to return to Australia to live there and make a career.

The District Judge, Barney McElholm, imposed a fine of £200 and six penalty points on the no insurance charge, and one of £50 on the obstruction, together with an order for £15 for court costs.